In the Shadow of an Elephant by Georgie Donaghey

After losing my mother a couple of years ago to Lewey Body Dementia and Cancer, I wanted to write about death.  Rather than focus on death more a celebration of life.

While researching, I came across the beautiful Lualeni. Her story inspired me.

In the Shadow of an Elephant (Little Pink Dogs) is a gentle story about sorrow and determination, of friendship between boy and elephant set on the African Savanna. Through life’s challenges, they will embrace the joys of dancing in the shadow of an elephant.

Within 24 hours of submitting my manuscript to a publisher, it had been accepted. As you know this is rare in the Australian children’s writing industry. To further celebrate this story’s success, the book sold out before going to print. In the Shadow of an Elephant will be released in April at the Creative Kids Tales Writers’ Festival.

From the moment I read about Lualeni, I felt a connection to her. I particularly enjoyed reading about the recent birth of Lualeni’s calf. My excitement grew upon discovering the young one had been named Lulu. My first book released in 2016 was called Lulu.

So, drawn to Lualeni after this discovery, I decided to foster her through the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. I hope In the Shadow of an Elephant can educate and help raise awareness about poaching with the Australian reading public.

In the Shadow of an Elephant is illustrated by Sandra Severgnini.